The construction project added 6,000 sq ft of new space to the library in the form of a two story addition and incorporates an extensive remodeling of the existing library annex built in the 1980s.  The work also included the installation of new electrical and mechanical systems in the library, among other updates.

The Franklin Public Library moved to a temporary location in April 2016 so all the work could get underway.  The construction work began later that spring and continued on through the end of the year and for most of 2017.  The library reopened at the Main St location in Franklin, Massachusetts in November 2017.

Beautiful interior in the new addition

The new space is simply beautiful! The feel is upbeat, modern and bright.  Below is a video showing how nice the new addition is:

Children’s Room has wonderful southern and western exposure

The Children’s Room enjoys twice the space of its predecessor. 

The Children’s Room has plenty of space for play and exploration and is cheerfully filled with abundant natural light, thanks to the extensive south and west exposure afforded by two roughly 30 ft long walls of windows. 

These windows look out on the beautiful grounds of the Dean College campus.

New Computer Lab

The addition’s second floor houses the new Computer Lab, which sports 14 computer terminals for public use. 

A Business Center is close by to the Computer Lab, allowing patrons to print online materials as well as scan, fax  and make copies of print items. 

On the same floor as the Business Center is a Study Room and a Conference Room that can be reserved for use by patrons of the library.

Pleasant sitting areas

The addition offers very nice areas in which to sit, read and enjoy the views of the Dean College campus.

Community Room a much needed amenity in Franklin

The Friends of the Franklin Public Library Community Room is an especially valuable addition to the library. 

The room was designed to serve up to 60 people and can be rented by town residents for meetings and presentations.

Come to the Franklin Public Library to see the renovations and new addition – there are additional areas to explore there beyond what is shown in this post.  Don’t neglect to check out the gorgeous murals and fine woodwork and scagliola in the original portion of the Franklin library building – they’re very worth viewing!

Copyright ©2017 02038.com

. . . while the annex built in the 1980s has been gutted in preparation for its brand new interior.

Modernization and expansion on tap

The main building housing the Franklin Public Library was a gift from a wealthy family to the town of Franklin and opened in 1904.

The interior of the main building contains beautiful marble and rich woodwork and is graced by classical murals and landscape paintings.

The main building is getting new electrical and mechanical systems but the impressive interior will remain undisturbed.

The existing annex, dating from the 1980s is what is getting the bulk of the refurbishment.  It formerly housed stacks and the Children’s Room.

Library moved to temporary home

Both the main building and annex were closed in April 2016 for the construction work to begin.  The contents of the Library were packed up and either stored or moved  . . .

. . . to the Library’s temporary location at 24 Kenwood Circle, Franklin MA.  The Library will return to the Main St location once all work is completed in 2017.

New wing being built

The most exciting part of the library construction project is the new two story addition.

Below are plans for the addition, showing how it will open into and be a part of the refurbished 1980s annex:

Here are concepts for the interior of the addition:

This is how the construction site looked recently on a bright, sunny fall day . . .

Copyright ©2016 02038.com

The Library will be at the new facility on Kenwood Circle to at least until the summer of 2017 while a new addition is constructed at the permanent library building on Main Street.  The addition and accompanying renovations to the permanent Franklin library building will greatly enhance the beautiful facility first put into service in the early 1900s.

Attractive, modern interior

The temporary library occupies approximately 8,000 sq ft of space in a large office park off of Grove Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

The staff I spoke with said the office space was essentially move in ready and that the Town of Franklin did not have to spend significant funds on modifications to accommodate the Library.

The above room looks to have been a dressing room for the studio which formerly occupied the office.  The room now is a reading room with the counter becoming desk space with electric supply for laptops and other electronic devices.

The stacks area is functional, but clearly houses only a fraction of the full inventory of reading material owned by the Franklin Public Library system.

There’s a nice periodicals room . . .

. . . a cute children’s area . . .

. . . and a number of computer terminals.

Gallery of images of temporary Library

Here is a gallery showing more views of the new temporary Franklin Public Library . . .

Copyright ©2016 02038.com

Note that there are no eBooks on Hoopla.  Here’s a link to a review of the Hoopla Digital service on ZDNet.  Quoting from ZDNet:

“Hoopla has pulled off a stunning achievement, it has managed to negotiate the right for local libraries to lend digital versions of Hollywood movies and music as if they were physical artifacts on their shelves — and library members can view them on Hoopla’s smart phone and tablet apps.”

Easy access, no wait lists, no late fees

Hoopla’s open ended license means the Franklin Library offers an unlimited number of copies of every title available on Hoopla.  Unlike the eBook service Overdrive (also offered by the Library), you can always get what you want on Hoopla, when you want it.  There are no “holds”, no waiting lists for popular titles!

Borrowed items return themselves to the library on the due date. No late fees!  If you are not finished by the time your title is returned, just borrow it again and you can pick up right where you left off – the system employs automatic bookmarking.  Currently, Franklin Library patrons have a 5 item limit per month on Hoopla.  This limit may be raised in coming months.

Franklin Library an early adapter

Franklin is leading the way locally in terms of offering Hoopla.  Not very many libraries in the Commonwealth have signed-up for Hoopla yet.

The map shows the libraries in eastern Mass that offer Hoopla.  It’s good to see that Franklin is participating in this cutting edge service!

How to access content on Hoopla

It’s very easy to use Hoopla; that is one of the great strengths of the system.  Here’s how patrons of the Franklin, MA public library can sign up to use Hoopla.  (The screen shots below are ugly; Hoopla’s web site uses an unfortunate black background that is a bit disconcerting.  This makes reading the sign-up instructions more difficult than if Hoopla used a white background –so much for web design best practices!)

1. Go to the Hoopla sign up page

2. Select the Franklin Public Library

3. Insert your Franklin, MA library card number

4. Enter your email address and create a password (think up a unique password, don’t use your email’s password)

And now you have a Hoopla account!

Browse movies

Here’s what you see with the movies section of Hoopla

You can borrow movies for three days.

A nice feature for new users is the “demo” movie section.  This provides short video content to test your device’s ability to display Hoopla’s videos without using one of your 5 monthly title limits.

You might need to add a video viewer plug-in to your computer.  The download link is right on the Hoopla movie page and is an easy process.  I added the plug-in to my laptop with no problems.

Lots of TV shows

Television content is plentiful on Hoopla.  (The TV offerings appear to be more robust than what is in Hoopla’s movie section.)  There are TV dramas, sit-coms, documentaries, cooking shows, children’s programming, and complete seasons of TV’s most popular content.

Music and audiobooks

You’ll also find lots of music and audiobooks on Hoopla.

Music albums may be borrowed for up to 7 days.  You can keep audiobooks for 21 days.  Hoopla can be set up on your mobile device as well.  That way, you can listen to your music and audiobooks on the go!

Why Hoopla instead of physical discs?

The Franklin Public Library does still offer videos, music and audiobooks on physical discs.  There typically is only one copy of each such file available for checkout.  The discs can get scratched and lost over time.  Hoopla makes unlimited copies of each file available.  And nothing gets lost or damaged by use.  It’s a superior way for libraries to offer digital content!

 Learn about the Franklin Public Library

Did you know the the Franklin Public Library was the first public library in the US?  It’s true!  You can learn about the Franklin Library here.

Ben Franklin’s original gift of books that started the library still exists and is on display in the library’s main reading room.

The library has a beautiful interior.  It’s wonderful that the Franklin Public Library can offer modern online services yet retain its historic ambiance!

Copyright ©2014 02038.com

Joint event of fun and bargains

The Franklin DPW will be hosting its annual Touch a Truck Day this Saturday.

At the same time and at the same facility, the Friends of the Franklin Library will present their Spring Book Sale.

Together, the two adjacent events enable the kids to have lots of fun while giving the whole family the opportunity to stock up on book and entertainment bargains!

Location of Franklin, MA DPW complex

To get to both the Touch a Truck Day and the Spring Book Sale, take Hayward Street to Public Works Way and proceed to the DPW complex.

There’s ample parking.

Family fun with trucks

While you are finding some super bargains on books this Saturday at the Spring Book Sale, the kids can head out back to the DPW vehicle area to get up close and personal with lots of trucks and construction equipment.  Here’s a video of a previous Touch a Truck Day in Franklin, Mass:

This is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss  . . . it’s loads of fun and it’s free!

Save  $100s on books

Don’t spend a lot of money buying books online or at a retail book store. You’ll find thousands of great books dirt cheap at the Friends of the Franklin Library Spring Book Sale this Saturday!

Superb selection of books, DVDs and games

While items available at each Book Sale vary, you’ll find hardcover and paperback books, movies on DVDs and VHS tapes, music CDs, computer games, children’s puzzles and games and a lot more.  Books include the classics, current fiction, self-help genre, gardening, etc. Prices range from 50 cents to $1 for most books.  You never know what you’ll find at these sales so come early!

Buys on children’s books

My home is full of books, many of them bought for cents on the dollar at the Friends of the Franklin Library Book Sales. We’ve found the selection of children’s books to be fantastic.  This has helped us encourage the love of reading in our children.

Here’s just a sample of past buys of children’s books at the previous Book Sales:

We paid $1 for each of these elaborate pop-up books that would likely have sold new for $10 to $15 apiece!

Best selection on Friday

If you want to get an early crack at the best selection, come to the members-only preview Friday, May 17 from 4 PM to 7 PM.  You can become a member of the Friends by signing up at the door and then you can enter the Members-Only Preview Book Sale. An individual membership costs $15 while a family membership is only $25. Think of the money you’ll save at the Book Sale!

Help a good cause

You can’t beat the prices at the Book Sale!  It’s win-win for everyone – you save a load of money on books and support a great cause.  Proceeds from the Book Sale enable the Friends to help the Franklin Public Library make more purchases for its collections and hold special events for kids and adults throughout the year.  The Friends help the Library maintain its Museum Pass program which is another great service provided by the Franklin Library.   It’s nice to see books recycled in the community and wonderful to have the money go to help the Franklin Library. So attend the Book Sale and maybe become a member of the Friends of the Franklin Library, too!

Copyright ©2013 02038.com

Drumlin Farms Animals

Designed for children aged 5 +, the shows will be conducted by staff from the Drumlin Farms Wildlife Sanctuary.

So the kids’ time with the animals will be both fun and educational.

Register to attend

You need to register to attend either show set for Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 1 PM and again at 2 PM.

Call the Franklin Public Library at 508-520-4940 x1.

Audubon Ark Outreach

Wednesday’s exhibitions are part of the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Ark Outreach Program.

The Ark Outreach program brings natural history and science lessons to children and creates connections between kids and their local environment.

Just another benefit of living in Massachusetts!

Please click the hotlink to learn more about the Franklin Public Library.

Copyright ©2011 02038.com

What MA libraries belong to the Minuteman Network?

Over 40 public and academic libraries in Massachusetts participate in the Minuteman Network.

Click the image above or the hotlink to see if your local library belongs to the Network.

Franklin, MA Public Library offers eBooks

The Franklin, Massachusetts Public Library belongs to the Minuteman Network and is now offering e-Books via the system.

This new service should not be confused with the previously-existing audio book download service for the sight-impaired. The Franklin, MA Public Library continues to offer these audio book downloads in addition to the new eBook service.

How to download eBooks from a public library

CNET.com has posted a good video that will show you how to use the public library eBook system (powered by a service called Overdrive).

Click on the image above or click the hotlink to go to the CNET site to view the video.

Lots of mobile devices and readers are supported by the Overdrive platform

You can also get help from the robust support section hosted on the Minuteman eBook access portal:

Click the image above or the hotlink to view the help guide.

Many titles from which to choose

The Minuteman’s eBook collection includes many titles of fiction and nonfiction, including bestsellers and recently released works.  There are no late fees – when your lending period expires, the title expires automatically.

So instead of buying e-Books from a retailer like Amazon, check out your public library. Your library card and internet-enabled device may open a world of free eBooks for you!

Copyright ©2011 02038.com

Fun way to save money and help Franklin MA Library

You’ll be able to browse literally thousands of hard and soft cover books in a broad range of topics. With really low prices and a great selection, there’s sure to be a book (or many more) for just about everyone!

Good books and videos – cheap!

At previous book sales, the majority of hard cover books were just one dollar.  Adult paperbacks have sold for 50 cents.

Most children’s and young adult books were 50 cents. (You can save a lot of money buying a load of children’s books here!)

There are often lots of videotapes, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, audio books and games for sale as well.  At a recent book sale, I got a complete 8 video set of the PBS classic “I, Claudius” for $8!

Sunday Oct 17 – $5 for a bag of books

The deals get even better Sunday, October 17!  You’ll be able to buy a bag of books for just $5.

The Friends of the Franklin Library book sales are great fun and money saving – and you are helping support the Franklin Public Library in Franklin, Massachusetts!

Donate your unwanted books

If you have used books, DVDs, etc. that you don’t know what to do with, please consider donating them to the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.

You can bring them to the easy, convenient donation drop-off area on the first floor of the Franklin Public Library.

If you live in Franklin and have a load of books and videos you’d like to donate but can’t handle it yourself, please contact Warren Reynolds – he’ll help you get your items to the Friends.

Copyright ©2010 02038.com

What was a mostly unused, locked afterthought has now become a striking enhancement to one of the most impressive municipal properties owned by the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts.

On of the jewels of Franklin, MA

The historic Public Library in the Town of Franklin, MA can rightly be called one of the “Jewels of Franklin.”  The exterior is styled after a classic Greek temple.  The interior is lavishly decorated with mahogany, marble, and bronze and features amazing murals and landscapes by internationally known artists. 

The Franklin, MA Public Library holds an important place in the intellectual history of America: it is recognised as the first public library in the entire United States!

Striking renovation

Here’s a YouTube video of the new reading room:

The new reading room is very much in keeping with the high quality of the main rooms on the second floor. 

I was simply stunned by the beautiful coffered ceiling.

The room used to be the children’s room.  It seems to have mostly been closed to the public and only infrequently used over the last ten years or so.

The beautiful restoration of this room will hopefully spur further improvements to the lower level.

All the residents of Franklin are very lucky to have such a beautiful library building; please help the Friends of the Franklin Library support this important asset to the Franklin, MA community.

Copyright ©2010 02038.com

Click on the image above or the hotlink to download the spring 2010 program guide for the Franklin, MA Public Library.

Story-telling and fun activities

In addition to its regular roster of children’s story-times and activities, there are special events for the young set planned at the Franklin Public Library throughout the spring 2010 season.

A highlight looks to be the pony rides set for April 21, 2010!

Photos and history of the beautiful Franklin library

If you haven’t visited the Franklin, Massachusetts Public Library yet, you’re in for a treat!

The interior is gorgeous!

Click here to see more images of the beautiful interior of the Franklin MA Public Library.

And the exterior is stately and impressive.

Click here to see more photos of the exterior of the Franklin Public Library.

The charming history of the Franklin Massachusetts Public Library is very interesting.  It’s the first public library in America!

Copyright ©2010 02038.com